Naturopathic support during this time can often be for both mother and baby. It’s another time of transition. For the woman it’s the change from pregnancy to the roles of motherhood and breastfeeding, and for baby; from the womb to the outside world.
It’s a period marked by many physical, emotional and lifestyle changes and using natural and complementary medicines to support these provides both an effective and safe option for mothers and babies.
An appointment is usually scheduled for the first few weeks after the birth, if needed.
How naturopathy can help:
- Reviewing postnatal diet and supplement regime, with a special focus on any increased nutritional demands as a result of the birth experience eg. iron for post-partum haemorrhage; zinc, bioflavonoids and vitamin C to aid healing after a caesarean or perineal tear.
- Herbal formulas may be dispensed to aid recovery from birth and to support breastfeeding, if appropriate.
- Gentle and safe treatment for ailments in baby such as colic and reflux.
- Support and information provided for:
- Choices re vaccination
- Local mothers groups/playgroups available
- Referral to other health professionals (eg. GP, physiotherapist, counsellor, chiropractor)
- BodyWise BirthWise library - books, DVD/videos available for borrowing on breastfeeding, parenting & baby care
“I first met Kristin at a local breastfeeding meeting when my baby was 7 weeks old. We talked about how difficult it can be having an unsettled baby, particularly when you’re not really sure why as a first time mother. Kristin gave me a few bits of sound advice that day so I decided to follow it up and book a consultation with her.
I was impressed that during the consultation Kristin looked into my current diet, my health during my pregnancy, my baby’s birth experience and her feeding and sleeping patterns. The birth was traumatic for both my baby and I, after 28 hours of slow and exhausting labour it ended in a caesarean section after a failed vacuum extraction. Kristin was the first person to suggest I take my baby to see a chiropractor specialising in babies to check for spinal misalignment as a result of birth. She also suggested I take all dairy products out of my diet as it may be contributing to her colic, and she also looked at my daughter’s tongue and thought she may have silent reflux.
After visiting a paediatric chiropractor it was found my baby’s skull bones were misaligned from the vacuum extraction and she would have been suffering constant pressure headaches. Her spine also needed gentle adjustment. Taking dairy out of my diet had also helped her colic and a few weeks later a paediatrician also diagnosed her with silent reflux. After all the treatments we got a different baby, and are so grateful for Kristin’s original suggestions. Now I’m really starting to enjoy my baby and motherhood a lot more. Thank you for all your support Kristin.”
M & J - Karratha, WA
August 2007
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Consultations:
Contact Kristin about a naturopathy consultation.
Visit Naturopathy for consultation fees, dispensary fees and location.
“A friend suggested I see Kristin when my baby was 10 weeks old for some natural remedies to help increase my breast milk supply. I had been quite stressed and run-down and my milk supply had dropped. Kristin gave me some postnatal supplements and also made up a herbal tonic for breastfeeding. After a couple of weeks I noticed I had more energy and the herbs had really helped my milk quantity. Both my baby and I are a lot happier now. I didn’t need to take the all of the herbal mixture so it’s nice to know its there if I ever need it again as a backup remedy”.
Sarah, Karratha WA
Baby Elise, February 2006
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